Text: Martin Rinkart (1663); Trans. by Catherine Winkworth
Music: Johann Cruger(1647); Harm. by Felix Mendelssohn
Now thank we all our God,with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us still in grace, and guide us when perplexed;
and free us from all ills,in this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven;
the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Scripture reference: Psalm 100,   Hebrews 12:28
As I was reminded early in this series (8/4/10, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God), God is worthy of my praise and thanksgiving.
Paul reminds the the Church (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) that as we serve others, we serve not to receive thanks ourselves but so thanks and praise will be given to God. And that is the goal of my life: that I would not be remembered but that Jesus would be all that is seen and so God is glorified.
Paul also said that I should give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He said to pray continuously just before that. There’s a connection there for me. When pray – talk with God – continuously, then I stay in the “God Zone†and the thanks come easily. Despite whatever my circumstances, God is there and I know that with Him all things are possible and together we will come through.
I pray this series has blessed you as it has me. I have been reminded how God continues to speak and inspire His people because He desires to live inside His children.
